NEWTON GROVE — Firefighters from Newton Grove Fire and Rescue and supporters will fill the Sampson Agri-Exposition Center on Saturday to fellowship and dance to live music.
The annual Sportman’s Giveaway is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9, at the facility, located at 414 Warsaw Road, Clinton. Doors open at 6 p.m. Funds from the event will help offset costs for equipment and gear for volunteers of the fire department.
Tickets are still available for the upcoming event and may be purchased from Newton Grove Firefighters or at the station around 7:30 p.m. during the week, before Saturday. The station is located at 313 W. Weeksdale St., Newton Grove.
Proceeds from the event will go towards the Newton Grove Fire Department. Fire Chief Lee Wilson expressed how the the event allows people to have a good time, enjoy music and have a good meal. Entertainment will be provided by Jim Quick & The Coastline Band, a band that mixes soul, blues and rock for their audience. Food will be provided by Meadow Restaurant. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.
During the sportsman style fundraiser, there will be a variety of prizes for people attending. The largest grand prize is $5,000. Some of the other listed items include rifles, pistols, shotguns, a crossbow, grill package, Yeti coolers and a gun safe.
Tickets are $20 person and $300 for a reserved table. Each year, supporters attend the event to help the department in Newton Grove. As a rural community, the department’s tax base is low, compared to towns with larger populations, more businesses and industrial developments.
“This money helps us offset the costs of equipment, gear and insurance that we pay for the fire department, members and equipment,” Wilson said.
Another challenge of the department is recruiting and retaining members.
“Most of the people work out of town,” Wilson said. “They have school events, church events and a lot of activities and sports going on. It’s hard to find time to volunteer and put their time in.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Wilson at 919-369-1789. Additional information and updates regrading the department is available through the organization’s Facebook page by typing “Newton Grove Fire & Rescue” in the search bar.